Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

keestie t1_jdu6sfo wrote

Reply to comment by DocTreeMedicinal in Why does mild compression lead to paresthesia but not paralysis? by Hola3008

When I sleep on my arm for long enough, I lose the ability to move it until the blood flow is restored. It takes longer tho, and as the blood returns, movement comes back first, then the the sensation.

6

Black_Moons t1_jdud0qa wrote

I always worry when that happens that its going to be permanent, or damage the nerves...

How important is it not to sleep on your arm like that? Like is it a minor annoyance or major health hazard?

Any tips for how to make your arm not fall asleep when sleeping on your side? Like a certain shoulder position or place to avoid pressure? Pillow position?

5

RobleViejo t1_jdvblxw wrote

On a soft surface is not a big deal.

However on a hard surface it can lead to necrosis on muscle tissue due to hypoxia, which then needs to be surgically removed, which causes permanent lose of functions. (This is common on people who pass out on concrete and sleep on their arm, due to alcohol or drugs)

1

QuerulousPanda t1_jdvo9vl wrote

Sleeping on it is less likely to cause permanent damage because you're going to tend to move around enough that you probably won't cut off enough circulation or squeeze an individual nerve for long enough.

Where it can become an actual problem is for alcoholics and drug users who pass out to the point of total unconsciousness and don't move at all.

1

Implausibilibuddy t1_jdx7q0z wrote

It's nerve compression, not blood flow that causes that. Restricting blood flow for any length of time would result in atrophy.

1

keestie t1_jdx8h2p wrote

Interesting. Is enough known about nerves that we can understand the actual physical and/or chemical processes at work? The gradual return makes me think it's some sort of displaced fluid that slowly flows back in, but is that really it?

1